Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce is a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dish that combines golden-breaded chicken cutlets with a rich homemade tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. This comforting Italian-American classic is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, delivering a perfect balance of crunch, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese in every bite.

What Is Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce?

Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, breaded chicken cutlet fried to perfection, then topped with marinara sauce melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Ina Garten’s version elevates this dish with a homemade tomato sauce using San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, adding a deep, authentic Italian flavor.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Roast Chicken
• Ina Garten Roast Lemon Chicken
• Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Thighs
• Ina Garten Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

• Crispy, golden chicken – Breaded cutlets fried to perfection.
• Rich, homemade tomato sauce – Made with fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Melted cheese topping – A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for gooey goodness.
• Easy to make ahead – The sauce and chicken can be prepped in advance.
• Pairs well with pasta or salad – A versatile dish for any meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup olive oil (for frying)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (if needed)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• Sauté the aromatics – Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Simmer the sauce – Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Stir in fresh basil before serving.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Pound the chicken – Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Set up the breading station – Place flour in one shallow dish, whisk eggs with water in another, and combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder in a third.
• Bread the chicken – Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
• Fry the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Assemble and Bake:

• Preheat the oven – Set to 400°F (200°C).
• Layer the dish – Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Arrange fried chicken on top and spoon more sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake until bubbly – Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

• Serve with spaghetti – A classic pairing with marinara sauce.
• Pair with garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Enjoy with a green salad – A fresh contrast to the rich dish.
• Add roasted vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work well.
• Serve with mashed potatoes – A comforting, hearty option.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

• Use fresh mozzarella – Melts better and gives a creamy texture.
• Double-bread for extra crispiness – Ensures a thick, crunchy coating.
• Simmer the sauce for deeper flavor – The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.
• Let fried chicken rest before baking – Prevents sogginess and keeps it crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying – Ensures even browning.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

• Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use panko breadcrumbs – Gives a crunchier texture.
• Try a gluten-free version – Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add a pesto drizzle – Enhance the flavor with fresh basil.
• Make it a sandwich – Serve on a toasted ciabatta roll with extra sauce.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the oven – Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce

• Oven method – Reheat at 350°F for best texture and crispiness.
• Microwave for quick reheating – Heat in short intervals to avoid sogginess.
• Reheat in a skillet – Adds a crispy finish to the coating.

FAQs

How do I keep the breading on chicken Parmesan from getting soggy?

To keep the breading crispy, make sure to fry the chicken until golden brown before adding the sauce. Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack before baking, and only add a thin layer of sauce to prevent it from soaking into the crust.

Can I make chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breaded and fried chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the sauce and cheese, then bake until heated through.

What’s the best cheese for chicken Parmesan?

A combination of fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan works best. Fresh mozzarella melts smoothly, while Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, for a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip halfway for even browning before adding the sauce and cheese.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Sauce is a comforting, crispy, and cheesy Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Try it today and enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!

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